Jon Sharples
Howard Kennedy LLPMark Stephens CBE heads ‘the very strong team’ at Howard Kennedy LLP. It works with artists and estates, as well as galleries, auction houses, and dealers. Other key clients include collectors, museums, and public collections. In addition, the group receives a steady flow of instructions from charities and foundations, public art organisations, governments, and nation states. With its ‘strong reputation’ in this sector, it is well-placed to advise on a broad spread of matters, from art litigation to looted art. Daniel McClean is another key figure, and Jon Sharples covers an array of issues in the creative industries and the museum sector, including advising on intellectual property, commercial contracts, and disputes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘James Wingfield is outstanding; he is very knowledgeable in this area, unflappable, gives pragmatic, commercial advice and clients like working with him.’
‘The people I worked with were excellent. They were responsive, quick in all their dealings and all in all top flight. I felt well looked after and able to contact them readily if needed. It was a first-rate experience.’
‘I worked in particular with Jon Sharples. He is tremendously knowledgeable, gracious and generous with his time and counsel. I would recommend him most highly and he would be my first point of call with any legal matters.’
‘Working with Jon Sharples was an excellent experience. He was attentive, compassionate and was quick to reply to messages. He listened carefully to the situation and provided clear, professional and unbiased advice which helped me to understand my options.'
‘Mark Stephens is quite simply a legend of the art and cultural property world. Immense knowledge of all legal issues and is beyond passionate about his client's causes, which makes him a force to be reckoned with if on the other side. ’
‘Jon Sharples balances expertise and legal vigour with a clear and empathic communication style. This combination makes him a hugely reassuring and effective ally to those who have the good fortune to work with him.’
‘Mark Stephens is a prominent industry figure whose tactical advice is highly valued. James Wingfield brings his commercial savvy to art world disputes.’
- 'The practice seems to be very involved within the arts outside of just day-to-day legal work. They have a passion for the arts personally.'
Key clients
- Simon C Dickinson
- Yilin Wang
- Arcadia Missa Gallery
- Institute of International Visual Arts)
- A-N The Artists Information Company
Work highlights
- Defended art dealer Dickinson successfully in a negligence claim brought by the trustees of the Wemyss Heirlooms Trust, concerning the attribution of an 18th century French painting described on its sale in 2014 as by Jean-Baptiste-Simeon Chardin and Studio.
- Acted for Chinese-Canadian poet and translator, Yilin Wang, successfully in her copyright and moral rights claim against the British Museum.
- Advised a number of leading art galleries in the UK and internationally on the drafting and enforcement of resale restrictions on primary sales, having led a thought leadership campaign on the issue.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Daniel McClean
Howard Kennedy LLPPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Mark Stephens